Library branch celebrates 100th birthday

Branch built after gift from Carnegie Foundation

A branch of the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County celebrated a milestone birthday.

The Avondale branch, on Reading Road, turned 100 on Saturday.

It’s been a gathering place in the community since its opening.

“I used to come to this library all the time. In fact, when I was a kid, I won every single reading contest they had in my age group, every single year," Cincinnati City Council Member Wendell Young said.

The library also used the birthday to announce a $1.2 million renovation that will add wheelchair entrances, update the restrooms and the front-desk area and remodel a lecture room.

The branch was built with funds from the Andrew Carnegie Foundation and features Rookwood tile, decorative iron work and a domed ceiling, according to the branch’s website.

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